Iceberg
Classification

The
systems of iceberg classification were established by two principal
iceberg monitoring organisations: the International Ice Patrol
(IIP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The IIP,
established in response to the Titanic disaster, is mainly concerned
with iceberg proportions. The WMO's system is based principally
on iceberg shape. Both systems are in widespread use.

International
Ice Patrol System

Type

Freeboard (m)

Width (m)

Typical Mass (t)

Growler

<1.5

<5

101

Bergy bit

1.5–5

5–15

104

Small iceberg

5–15

15–60

105

Medium iceberg

15–50

60–120

106

Large iceberg

50–100

120–220

107

Very large iceberg

>100

>220

>107

World
Meteorological Organization System

Type

Freeboard (m)

Waterline Length (m)

Phys. Area Above Waterline (m2)

Relative
Size

Mass
(t)

Growler

<1

<10

<100

Grand
piano

up to 120

Bergy bit

1-5

10-30

100-300

Small
house

up to 5,400

Iceberg

>5

>30

300

Merchant
ship

180,000

Further
iceberg classification by size

Small

Height <16 m, length <65 m

Medium

Height 16–48 m, length 65–130 m

Large

Height
48–70 m, length 130–225 m

Very
large

Height
>70 m, length >225 m

Additional
iceberg classification by type

Tabular
(ice island)

Flat-topped iceberg, horizontal banding

Domed

Iceberg with smooth and rounded top

Pinnacled

Iceberg
with central spire/pyramid, having one or more spires

Wedged

Iceberg
with flat top, one end with steep vertical sides and the other
end sloping to lesser sides

Drydocked

Iceberg
with erosion giving it a U-shaped slot near/at water level,
with twin columns/pinnacles